Pakistan Warns Iran It Will Defend Saudi Arabia At All Costs

The Government of Pakistan is attempting to mediate a regional crisis after U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, triggered Iranian retaliatory drone and missile strikes across the Gulf. Iranian forces targeted the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, hitting the Ras Tanura refinery and the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh. Saudi air defenses intercepted numerous drones near Riyadh and Al Kharj.

In response, Pakistan warned Iran that it will defend Saudi Arabia at all costs, citing the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed on September 17, 2025. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar indicated that any attack on Saudi Arabia is considered an attack on Pakistan, suggesting the potential extension of Pakistan's nuclear deterrence to protect Riyadh. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the escalation and coordinated with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to manage the conflict.

Despite these warnings, Pakistan is working to dissuade Iran from further strikes. Iran has signaled it may avoid attacking Saudi Arabia if Riyadh guarantees its territory is not used for operations against Tehran. Amid the instability, the Pakistani Embassy in Saudi Arabia issued an emergency advisory and deployed staff to airports to support Pakistani nationals visiting for Umrah.